MEC Merlin -3C bag

Is it wrong of me to say that, considering I posted it?

However it does demonstrate some good robust discussion, similar to what I'd expect around a BBQ with some of my mates and a few cold beers.

Dewey,
I appreciate your input. I have to admit I'm a bit surprised I haven't had more weigh ins with a vote for the WM. In fairness though, at 2/3 the price I'm not expecting quality to be equal to WM, I'm more interested in gauging what the quality is. I wasn't aware that MEC sold the Apache until you mentioned it, but you're correct they do, at a listed weight of 1.1kg. However they also list the Versalite at 1.01kg, which seems to be about 60g heavier than WM list it at.

It's interesting to note that your importing experiences are very similar to mine, and that I have only ever been charged ANYTHING is when it is shipped by UPS or Fedex. Since they charge the customer a fee to collect taxes, they are quite happy to do so. I now will only order from retailers who will ship to Australia using USPS or Canada Post. Provided the cost of the goods and postage is under A$1000, no GST or import duty is charged on POSTED goods.

David and Steve,
Now is a good time to pick up Macpac packs pretty cheap here, as they move to their new marketing model. I picked up an Amp Race 25 for A$118 a couple of weeks ago. There appear to be a few people making money by picking up sale items at the new Macpac store and then selling them on ebay at around 100% markup. So if there's anything you need, let me know and I'll get you a price.

Mike,
Thanks so much for dropping by. Since you're the only one so far who's used it, it's much appreciated. I have to admit, I would prefer a draft collar, I think they add a lot of extra warmth for the weight, but I can see the logic of using clothing for this. I note that the Summerlite also doesn't have one. I can live with the light weight fabric in a lightweight bag like this, it's the only way to achieve it. I'm not so sure about the lack of DWR.

It sounds like your bag is about 2oz overweight (It's okay to talk grams, we're all civilised here!) That's also not great. (I always think it's funny when people assume that this is an extra 60g of down. As a manufacturer, 60g of extra down in a 350g fill is an extra 17% cost. An extra 60g of shell and trimmings probably saves you money since you don't have trim and sew so precisely.)

Darren,
I was also planning on ordering from the US, but couldn't find the Amp in stock anywhere. I was very happy when the Macpac shop opened in Smith St. Packs are a good price, as well as some clothing. Bags are still expensive though.

Roger,
I was in a shop for the first time in months last Friday, to check out sizing on a Precip. Larry Adler is selling them for A$100 at the moment. They slugged me $20 to express post it to Melbourne though. That's pretty rich for a $9.00 satchel, considering they didn't even have to take it out of the bag and put it on a hanger, or refold it into a bag when I bought it.

So ………..

It sounds like the Merlin is pretty good value for the money, but not the same quality as the Summerlite. Any dissenters?

So if the Australian dollar doesn't go up, and the cost of the Merlin stays at or below CAN$200 ($250 shipped), and the quality stays consistent with what it is now, I'll probably take one when they come back in stock.

But…..
If the dollar climbs, or the Merlin goes up by $5 ($275 shipped), or the new version isn't the same, I'll probably keep saving until the Summerlite is a goer.
(Steve, I might take you up on that offer to check it out when the new one is back.)

Thanks again to everyone for their input.

Rod

I don't see the WM Versalite on the MEC site here, but, they may list it where I cannot find it. I would tend to trust WM's stats. over those of MEC, based on lots of experience with "the Coop".

I won't own another bag without an inner collar and I have tried several, but, the climate there is much different than western/northern Canada.

I really do think that one of the major factors in your decision should be WM's legendary reputation for even it's lighter bags being MUCH warmer in field use than their ratings. This gives you a "warmth cushion" that is, IMHO, a very good thing to have.

I notice that those using Merlins do not seem to experience this and for this factor alone, I would choose the WM and just pay the extra cost.

Anyway, it's all fun and I am sure that you will enjoy any bag you do buy, getting out there is what is really important. Cheers, mate.

I own a MEC Merlin -3 bag, and have used it and been comfortable to around +3*C. This was sleeping alone in an MSR Hubba, wearing just a t-shirt. Below that point, I found the bag comfortable to about -1*C as long as I was wearing a toque and some long underwear (smartwool microweight) and a pair of socks, or if I was sharing a tent with another warm body.
As far as construction and compactability goes, very happy with both, it's light, compressible and as long as you're not reckless with it, durable.
A friend who has a bit more disposable income than me used the WM Summerlite on the same trip, said he was comfortable throughout the trip and slept just in a t-shirt and shorts in the Summerlite; granted, that was in a tent every night with a second warm body in it.
Bottom line: If you are on a budget and the 165 grams weight penalty isn't an issue, go with the MEC bag; if I could afford it and was really concerned about the weight difference, I would go with the WM bag.
My 2 cents worth.